Illegal Towing Lawyers

Understanding Illegal Towing and Your Legal Rights

Few experiences are as frustrating as returning to the spot where you parked and realizing your car has been towed away. In an instant, your transportation is gone, and you’re left scrambling to track down your vehicle and pay hundreds of dollars to retrieve it. For many drivers, the process feels humiliating, unfair, and financially draining. What makes matters worse is that towing companies often take cars without following the law, leaving drivers unsure of their rights.

The truth is, you do have rights. While cities and property owners may have the authority to tow vehicles under certain circumstances, that power is limited by strict regulations. If your car was towed illegally, if you were charged excessive fees, or if you suffered losses as a result, you may be able to take legal action. Our towing attorneys help drivers fight back against predatory towing practices, recover their vehicles, and pursue compensation when towing companies break the law. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get justice and hold predatory booting and towing companies accountable.

Common Illegal Towing Practices

Not every tow is lawful. Many companies and property owners abuse the system to generate revenue at the expense of unsuspecting drivers. Common illegal towing practices include:

• Towing without proper signage – By law, private property owners must post visible, compliant signs warning that unauthorized vehicles may be towed. If no sign was present, the tow may be unlawful.
• Excessive or hidden fees – State and local laws often limit what towing companies can charge for a tow, release, or storage. Charging beyond those limits is illegal.
• Towing without authority – Not all businesses or individuals have the right to order a tow. Many companies tow cars without proper licensing or in locations where towing is not authorized.
• Predatory or “patrol” towing – Some companies cruise parking lots looking for opportunities to tow, even when cars are legally parked. This practice is often prohibited.

When towing companies engage in these unlawful actions, they don’t just inconvenience you, they may also owe you money. An illegal towing lawsuit can help you recover what you paid and hold predatory companies accountable.

Why You May Be Entitled to Compensation After an Illegal Tow

An illegal tow is more than just an inconvenience; it can create a cascade of financial and personal problems. You may miss work, an important appointment, or even face safety risks if you’re stranded late at night. On top of the immediate costs of towing and storage, many drivers also deal with emotional distress and disruption to their lives.

Compensation in an illegal towing lawsuit may cover:

• Reimbursement of towing, storage, and release fees
• Compensation for lost income or missed opportunities
• Damages for stress, humiliation, or safety risks you endured
• Punitive damages if the company acted willfully or engaged in systematic abuse

Our goal is to help you recover not only your money, but also accountability and peace of mind after a predatory tow.

How Our Illegal Towing Lawyers Can Help

Challenging a towing company on your own can be intimidating. They often insist they acted legally, even when they didn’t. Having an attorney makes a real difference. We investigate every detail of your towing incident, whether the property had proper signage, whether the company was licensed, and whether the fees they charged violated the law.

Our team also handles all communication with the towing company or property owner, sparing you from stressful confrontations. Many times, these companies back down once they know you have legal representation. If they don’t, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and argue your case in court.

Most importantly, we relieve you of the burden. Instead of scrambling to fight a towing company alone, you can focus on your life while we work to recover your vehicle and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get justice and hold predatory booting and towing companies accountable.

Steps to Take After Your Car Has Been Towed

If your car has been towed, it’s easy to feel panicked and powerless. Before you pay anything, take these steps to protect your rights:

1. Document everything – Note where you parked, photograph the area, and capture any posted signs (or lack of them).
2. Find out who towed your car – Get the name of the towing company, where your car was taken, and the full breakdown of fees.
3. Keep all records – Save receipts, storage notices, and any communication with the towing company.
4. Contact a lawyer quickly – The sooner you involve an attorney, the better chance you have of challenging the tow and seeking damages.

Even if you’ve already paid the fees to get your car back, you may still have a valid claim. Illegal towing lawsuits often begin after the vehicle has been returned.

Why Choose Wetherington Law Firm for Your Illegal Towing Case

We know how upsetting it is to deal with a car that was unfairly towed. Our firm has helped countless drivers stand up to predatory towing companies, and we know what it takes to win. We combine aggressive legal strategy with client-focused service, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

When you hire us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re partnering with a team that is dedicated to protecting drivers from abuse. We offer free consultations, and in many cases, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

Illegal Towing on Private Property vs. City Towing

It’s important to understand the difference between a city-ordered tow and a private property tow, because your rights may change depending on the situation.

City Towing: When a city or municipality orders a tow, it’s usually tied to unpaid tickets, expired registration, or violations of city ordinances. To recover your car, you’ll often have to pay city fines in addition to the tow fee. While you can challenge these actions, city towing usually follows a formal process.

Private Property Towing: If your car was towed from a shopping center, apartment complex, or private lot, the legality depends on state and local laws. In many places, private towing is only legal if:

• Warning signs are posted clearly at every entrance
• Fees do not exceed the maximum allowed by law
• The towing company is licensed and authorized to remove vehicles

Some states have banned private property towing entirely, due to widespread abuse. If your car was towed from private property where it wasn’t permitted, you may have a strong claim against the company.

Talk to an Illegal Towing Lawyer Today

If your car was towed unfairly or you were charged excessive fees, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Our attorneys are here to help you recover your vehicle, challenge unlawful practices, and pursue compensation for your losses. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get justice and hold predatory booting and towing companies accountable.